Around the Majors: Robinson is honored

1) Jackie Robinson was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Robinson, the first black player in the 20th century, played mostly 2B for the 1947-56 Dodgers. He had a .883 career OPS, compared to his league average of .752, and 308 RCAA in 1382 games. Robinson had 2 years with 50+ RCAA and a 3rd in which he just missed (1949–54, 1951–65, 1952–49).

Over the course of his career, Robinson ranked 7th in the majors in RCAA–

RCAA              
1    Stan Musial                 736   
2    Ted Williams                719   
3    Ralph Kiner                 429   
4    Mickey Mantle               382   
5    Duke Snider                 365   
6    Larry Doby                  337   
7    Jackie Robinson             308   
8    Eddie Mathews               267   
9    Yogi Berra                  254   
10   Al Rosen                    230

2) Rick Mahler died of a heart attack at the age of 51.

Mahler pitched from 1979-91, spending most of his career with the Braves. He had a 3.99 career ERA, compared to his league average of 3.65, and -24 RSAA in 392 games.

3) The Rockies named Joe Kennedy as their Opening Day starter.

After 4.53 ERA/-1 RSAA and 6.13 ERA/-24 RSAA seasons, Kennedy had a 3.66 ERA/27 RSAA in 27 starts in his first year with the Rockies. He has a 4.63 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.44, and 3 RSAA in 109 games.

4) The Rangers re-signed P Ryan Drese to a 2 year, $2.5 million contract, with an option for 2007.

After 6.55 ERA/-31 RSAA and 6.85 ERA/-9 RSAA seasons, Drese had a 4.20 ERA/21 RSAA in 33 starts (34 games). He has a 5.18 career ERA, compared to his league average of 4.56, and -15 RSAA in 80 games.

5) The Giants sent INFs Angel Chavez, Julio Cordido and Kevin Frandsen, OFs John Bowker, Nate Schierholtz and Clay Timpner, Cs Eliezer Alfonzo and Trey Lunsford and Ps Jeremy Accardo and Patrick Misch to the minors.

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